MONMOUTH COUNTY -- A former Toms River police officer and an undersheriff here has been appointed as the temporary successor for Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno, who will become the state’s first lieutenant governor Tuesday.

Shaun E. Golden, 42, of Howell, will lead the 695-member department until Gov.-Elect Chris Christie, with consent from the state Senate, officially announces a permanent successor.

File ohotoKim Guadagno
Without an immediate gubernatorial appointment, Golden could remain in the post until Guadagno’s term expires the end of this year. He is eligible to run for a full three-year term.

"I’m honored to be appointed acting sheriff of Monmouth County and look forward to leading this innovative, nationally accredited agency,” Golden said in a statement. "As acting Monmouth County sheriff, it will be my duty to serve the public and to ensure the safety and security of the people who live in Monmouth County.”

Golden lost to Guadagno in the 2007 sheriff’s primary race, but supported her after his defeat.

As undersheriff, Golden headed the Monmouth County Regional 9-1-1 Communications Center and the operation of communications and computer networking equipment for county and municipal agencies.

As acting sheriff, he will oversee a law-enforcement division, the Monmouth County jail, the county’s youth detention center and the communications center.

A police officer for 18 years who graduated first in his class at the Monmouth County Police Academy, Golden first worked in Colts Neck before joining the Toms River Police Department.

His salary as undersheriff is $85,000 a year. The sheriff’s post pays $120,000 a year.